All Japan Double Tag Team Championship: Mitsuahru Misawa & Jun Akiyama (champions) vs Steve Williams & Johnny Ace (challengers) 6/7/96
This was a super match with all four wrestlers at the top of their game. It was nearly as great as the match the Americans had with Misawa & Kobashi on 3/9/95. Flawless work with the expected big spots down the stretch. Akiyama and Williams began the match. Akiyama showed off his mat prowess while Williams showed his toughness. The four built up the tension between them in a way similar to their aforementioned classic. Misawa looked sharp early against both challengers. Williams dropped Misawa on his head with a tiger suplex to pop the crowd. Akiyama briefly dominated Ace until Williams came in. They played up the underdog vs toughman concept well, with Williams dominating and Akiyama holding his own at times. Williams gained a near fall on Akiyama with a powerslam. Ace used a rocker dropper/famouser on Akiyama for a near fall. Misawa German suplexed Williams and knocked both challengers out of the ring. He then did a spinning tope on Ace and an elbow suicida on Williams. Misawa scored a near fall on Ace with the tiger driver. Williams gave Misawa a doctor bomb and Ace gained a near fall. Akiyama looked strong against both Ace and Williams until Williams gave him a backdrop driver. Ace and Williams gave Misawa a vicious double impact. Ace gave Akiyama an Ace crusher and a powerbomb for a dramatic near fall. Williams gave Misawa a sick looking released German suplex. Ace scored a near fall on Akiyama with a cobra clutch suplex. Akiyama gained a near fall on Ace with a German suplex and another with an exploder. He then scored another near fall with a northern lights suplex. Misawa gave Williams a tiger driver on the floor. Akiyama gained a dramatic near fall on Ace with an exploder before pinning him with a second one at 30:07. Super match with the new star Akiyama really shining in the closing minutes. *****